Rongatapu 1982

The film is set in 1982 in a char settlement, at a time of land disputes and communal tension, and follows the residents as they face the threat of displacement and violence.

Morom, a pregnant housewife, is dealing with the trauma of a brutal incident in her family. Her husband Jadab, an orphan raised by the village, tries to stay neutral to protect her until the conflict reaches his community and forces him to take a stand. Sisters Rupali and Mala are also at the centre. Mala suffers severe trauma and night terrors, and Rupali cares for her while her relationship with Madhab, an educated young man from a prominent family, is complicated by the unrest. Rafiza, who has survived an assault, fears for her unborn child. The film builds to a night of unrest that decides their fates.

Saikia wrote and directed this historical drama as his first feature. The makers aimed to record the social realities of the era rather than follow a commercial structure, researching local oral histories and contemporary accounts and recreating period settings. Principal photography took place on location in Assam, using natural light and practical locations such as village homes and farm fields. The cast includes Aimee Baruah, Gunjan Bhardwaj, Rimpi Das, Vivek Bora, Kalpana Kalita and Alishmita Goswami.

Rongatapu 1982 was released on 24 November 2023. It won Best Assamese Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards, and one critic singled out its production design and observational, restrained style.